Legendary songwriter Powell St. John has provided incredible songs covered by Janis Joplin (Bye Bye Baby), Boz Scaggs, and the Thirteenth Floor Elevators, this CD highlights this amazing lyricist, who has a timeless knack for song writing and a unique sen

17 MP3 Songs
ROCK: Americana, FOLK: Folk Blues



Details:
Powell St. John went from Laredo to Austin, Texas in 1959, a harmonica playing, beret wearing beatnik kid who had a hunch that something was going on somewhere. Powell began his musical career in Austin in the early 1960âs, playing at parties and clubs around the University of Texas campus. Eventually he came to work with Kenneth Threadgill of Austinâs Threadgillâs Bar, performing with Janis Joplin and Lannie Wiggins in a small trio called The Waller Creek Boys. Later, in answer to a request for material from Tommy Hall of the 13th Floor Elevators, St. John wrote six songs for their two first albums. In the late 60âs, Powell formed a blues and rock band with Tracy Nelson named Mother Earth.

Some of the most famous musicians in the world have recorded Powellâs songs, such as Janis Joplin (Bye, Bye Baby), Boz Scaggs (Iâll Forever Sing), Tracy Nelson (Livinâ with the Animals), Roky Erickson (Right Track Now) & Doug Sahm (You Donât Know).

Over the years, Powell has been interviewed by many of the top television stations from the US and Europe, BBC, CBS, E! Entertainment, Lifetime, and others, about Janis Joplin, the Psychedelic scene in Austin, and his own music career. After a 30 year run of royalties and licensing for film, stage and TV, the Texas Music Hall of Fame inducted Powell in 2005 as part of the South by Southwest Music Conference. At each event attended in Austin during this time, he was mobbed by people, telling him how much they liked his music and asking for his autograph. Taking advantage of the fact that Powell returned to Austin, several of his fans arranged for him to record a new CD, âRight Track Now.

Powell has fans the world over, including many important and influential music industry professionals, such as Julian Cope from the UK, David Fricke from Rolling Stone magazine, and Bill Bentley, senior vice president at Warner Brotherâs Records, all emerging from the woodwork as long time St. John fans:

â âPowellâs CD is nothing short of amazing. I've listened about 5 times all the way through, and there are so many highlights I can't start to list them. Over the years his music and songs have given me so much joy.â â Bill Bentley, Senior Vice President, Warner Brotherâs Records

â "I think he is a first-rate harmonica player and I am glad he is still doing it. His songs are some of my favorites!" - Roky Erickson

â âIn the midst of the budding psychedelic sound, Powell's music was unique, completely original and brilliant. He gave us validation as something more than a derivative R&B band and he inspired me to stretch out beyond my desire to be Irma Thomas. I think he was the most significant and profound artist (and by the very nature of that the least appreciated) of the era. I'm so glad he's making music againâ. - Tracy Nelson

This CD highlights this amazing lyricist, who has a timeless knack for song writing and a unique sense of melody. His music is both original and fully engaging, representing the best of the past and greatness for the future. Contact Toby St. John at 510-575-7127 or email at: buddha@lmi.net.